In a recent interview with Geo News program “Capital Talk,” President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, touched upon several critical issues facing the country, including the current political landscape and the need for transparent and credible elections.
President Alvi began by expressing his skepticism about the possibility of holding elections in the last week of January, citing various challenges. Instead, he emphasized the importance of finding a way forward and suggested that the nation should remain hopeful. He also highlighted his confidence in Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, who is leading the judiciary’s efforts to ensure free and fair elections.
One significant point of discussion during the interview was the role of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its chairman, Prime Minister Imran Khan. President Alvi acknowledged his strong association with the PTI, commending their commitment to bringing justice and improving the welfare state in Pakistan. He explained that PTI’s popularity was not diminishing but steadily increasing.
Furthermore, President Alvi addressed the issue of “level playing field” in the upcoming elections. He supported the idea of creating a transparent and fair electoral environment and stated that all political parties should have an equal opportunity to participate.
Regarding the 2018 elections and the allegations of rigging, President Alvi maintained that the PTI adhered to ethical principles and committed to providing justice to the people. He highlighted PTI’s intentions to promote modern Islamic welfare state ideals and praised Prime Minister Imran Khan for his integrity.
Regarding the issue of his tenure as President, President Alvi clarified that the Constitution allowed him to continue as President until new elections or a successor were elected in Parliament. He noted that the parliamentary system has its own dynamics, citing the example of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who frequently resigned and was re-elected through the democratic process.
In response to a question about the incident involving the watch gifted to him, President Alvi stated that he had previously expressed his disapproval of any such events. He firmly believed that actions causing turmoil should be avoided and stated that he was against creating chaos.
President Dr. Arif Alvi’s interview conveyed the importance of transparent and credible elections in Pakistan’s future. He stressed the need for unity and constructive dialogue among all political parties to ensure that the country’s democratic processes continue to strengthen. This interview provided valuable insights into his perspective and the government’s vision as Pakistan navigates through its current challenges.
